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What is the difference between eBay API and Non-API (MIP) integration?

Find out how each connection method impacts automation, features, and your overall selling experience on AutoDS.

Introduction

When connecting your eBay store to AutoDS, you can choose between an API integration and a non-API integration, also called the Merchant Integration Platform (MIP). Both options allow you to manage products and orders, but they differ in automation level, requirements, and available features.

The API integration offers the smoothest experience with full automation and advanced monitoring, while the non-API integration provides flexibility for sellers who prefer not to grant direct API permissions.

👉 Learn More: Blog post: API vs non-API solution


💡Tip:

We highly recommend using the API version to enjoy the best monitoring experience and all of AutoDS automation features. If you still decide to work with the non-API integration, please have your computer on 24/7 or run the extension at least a few times a day to update your prices and stocks.

Benefits

  • Clarity in decision-making – understand exactly how API and non-API differ so you can choose the right setup for your store.
  • Awareness of trade-offs – see what you gain and what you limit when selecting either option.
  • Confidence in setup – avoid mistakes by knowing the technical requirements of non-API versus the automation level of API.
  • Alignment with your goals – match the right integration to your selling strategy, whether you prioritize automation or flexibility.

 

Quick Jump

  1. Comparison: API vs non-API integration

  2. How to connect each integration

  3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Comparison: API vs non-API integration

API integration – connects your store directly through eBay’s API, enabling full automation and smoother product and order management.

Non-API integration – connects through the AutoDS Chrome extension, allowing you to work without API permissions, but requiring your browser and extension to remain active.


Aspect API integration Non-API integration
Setup Connect directly through AutoDS with eBay API permissions. Requires Chrome browser, stable internet, and the AutoDS Chrome extension.
Product importing ✅ Supported. ✅ Supported.
Price & stock monitoring ✅ Supported. ✅ Supported.
Order syncing ✅ Supported. ✅ Supported..
Tracking updates on eBay ✅ Supported. Updates only inside AutoDS orders page.
AutoDS Customer support feature(eBay Message center) ✅ Supported. ❌ Not supported. 
Automatic buyer messages ✅ Supported. ❌ Not supported.
Policies ✅ Native eBay policies supported. Only AutoDS dynamic policies supported.
Editing existing products ✅ Can edit images and item specifics. ❌ Not supported.
System reliability Stable synchronization. Requires browser and extension to remain active.
Cost Included in subscription. +$9.97/month per account.

Analysis of over 10,000 active AutoDS stores shows no major difference in store success between API and non-API users. However, stores using the API version enjoy a smoother experience and can take full advantage of AutoDS automation features.

⚠️ Important: Adding a non-API eBay account includes an extra subscription cost: $9.97/month per non-API account.

 

 

How to connect each integration

Integration type Steps to connect
eBay non-API integration
  1. Install Google Chrome browser.
  2. Add the AutoDS Chrome extension..
  3. Ensure a stable internet connection.
  4. Keep Chrome and the extension open to enable:
    – Product importing
    – Price & stock monitoring
    – Order syncing

👉 Learn More: eBay MIP (non-API) store integration, token connection, and policies
eBay API integration
  1. Go to the sidebar menu and click Add Store.
  2. Click again on Add Store.
  3. Choose eBay as the selling channel.
  4. Select the eBay target marketplace (e.g., eBay UK).
  5. Log in to the eBay account you wish to connect.
  6. Click Agree to grant API access to AutoDS.
  7. After confirmation, upload your first product.

👉 Learn More: How to add eBay store (API) to your AutoDS?

NOTE:

  • If one of the non-API requirements is not functioning correctly, the connection will be disrupted.

  • Non-API integration: Keep your computer on 24/7, or run the Chrome extension several times per day to keep listings updated.

  • API integration: Once connected, AutoDS will have 3rd-party app permissions on eBay to manage your account. This is the most recommended method for smoother automation.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main advantages of using the API integration?
A: The API integration provides full automation, smoother product and order management, tracking updates on eBay, use of native eBay policies, and access to the eBay message center.

👉 Learn More: How to add eBay store (API) to your AutoDS?

Q: Why choose the non-API integration?
A: The non-API integration is a flexible alternative for sellers who prefer not to grant API permissions. It supports product importing, price and stock monitoring, and order syncing through the AutoDS Chrome extension.

👉 Learn More: eBay MIP (non-API) store integration, token connection, and policies

Q: Does the non-API integration affect pricing?
A: Yes. Each non-API account adds $9.97/month to your AutoDS subscription.